How does 1 Corinthians 5:7 encourage us to live a sin-free life? The Text at the Center “Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed.” (1 Corinthians 5:7) The Passover Picture: Christ Our Sacrifice • Paul reaches back to Exodus 12, where Israel removed every trace of leaven before eating the Passover. • Jesus is the ultimate “Passover Lamb” (John 1:29); His death paid sin’s price once for all. • Because the sacrifice has been made, God now calls us to mirror that spotless purity. Out with the Old: Removing the Yeast of Sin • “Get rid of the old yeast” speaks of deliberate separation from any habitual sin. • Yeast works silently but pervasively—just as unchecked sin spreads (Galatians 5:9). • Practical steps: – Identify specific behaviors or attitudes that contradict Scripture (Colossians 3:5-9). – Confess and forsake them immediately (1 John 1:9). – Replace them with obedient actions (Ephesians 4:22-24). Who We Already Are in Christ • Paul says, “as you really are.” In God’s eyes believers are already an “unleavened batch.” • Romans 6:6-7—our old self was crucified with Christ; we’re no longer slaves to sin. • Living sin-free is not self-improvement; it’s aligning daily life with our new identity. Daily Practice: Living Unleavened • Renew the mind—immerse in Scripture so truth crowds out old patterns (Psalm 119:11). • Stay accountable—fellow believers help expose hidden “yeast” (Hebrews 3:13). • Rely on the Spirit—He empowers holy living (Galatians 5:16). • Celebrate grace—gratitude for the Lamb’s sacrifice fuels obedience (Titus 2:11-12). Takeaways to Walk Out Today • Christ’s finished work makes a sin-free life possible and expected. • Sin must be treated like dangerous yeast—identified, removed, and kept out. • Holiness isn’t drudgery; it’s living true to who we already are in Jesus. • Every choice either feeds old leaven or displays new life—choose the new. |
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